Day tHirty six, Decatur Alabama to Memphis Tennessee

Before we had left NZ, I I had consulted Mr Google On the most scenic route between Chattanooga ( where we were going to stay originally) and Memphis. Blogs suggested State Route 72 following the Tennessee river valley might be the best way if one wanted to avoid interstates.

Given we hate riding motorcycles on interstates with a passion, State Route 72 it was. Now to be fair, we know that in a couple weeks we will have two days of total boredom riding in a straight line across the Texas Panhandle, so it goes without saying that I totally planned that State Route 72, crossing Alabama, Mississippi and into Tennessee was going to be a training run for the Texas panhandle. Convincing?

The first pic below is State Route 72 just after we left Decatur, Alabama, circa 0900 hrs. The second pic below is State Route 72 about 11.30 am after we had gassed ourselves up with caffeine to stay awake. The third pic below is State Route 72 early afternoon as we approached the State line into Tennessee.

You will agree I don’t need to provide much commentary on the scenery on this ride.

Once we hit Route 385, we skirted around Memphis on interstates to avoid traffic lights on the smaller roads and dropped off the I40 west right onto the Comfort Hotel, Downtown, Memphis on the Mississippi River. A stress free ride into the big city, apart from having to recognise that drivers in Memphis are as crazy as drivers in Vegas. Be aware out of state riders coming to Memphis for a visit the place is full of crazies.

It was pretty hot in the afternoon, so it was into the rooftop pool at the Comfort, great views out over the Mississippi River and the bridge that crosses that river linking Tennessee with Arkansas.

It was still daylight when we wandered the half dozen block down to Beale street to see what all the fuss is about. The party central part of Beale street is only two blocks long, needless to say we found a rooftop bar and sampled some local malt and hops rehydration refreshments. As they don,t have KGB’s here, Marie has taken to drinking beer, she doesn’t cope well with the 7.5 percent beers, you may see some Facebook evidence of this I am thinking, re our subsequent visit to the Jerry Lawler Hall of Fame bar and restaurant where a very good band was playing……… The spoons came out……are you reading this Bob? Yes, indeed, classic Coastal is all I can say.

A great night was had by all, I say great night as we were back at the Hotel by about 8.30…………. I think we were………… I quite enjoyed that local IPA with the higher percentage alcohol as well……. just saying.

(Pics will follow when I can find a half pie decent internet reception…….. )